Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

ALSA: seq: Clear variable event pointer on read

snd_seq_read() copies a queued variable-length event header to userspace
before expanding the payload. Queued variable-length events use
SNDRV_SEQ_EXT_CHAINED internally, and data.ext.ptr points at the first
extension cell.

The read side strips SNDRV_SEQ_EXT_* bits from data.ext.len before the
copy, but it leaves data.ext.ptr untouched. A userspace sequencer client
can therefore write a direct variable event to itself and read back the
extension-cell kernel address from the returned header.

Clear the temporary header pointer before copy_to_user(). The original
queued event remains unchanged and is still passed to
snd_seq_expand_var_event(), so payload expansion keeps using the
internal chain.
Published: 2026-08-15
Score: 5.5 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

The vulnerability resides in the ALSA sequencer subsystem of the Linux kernel. When snd_seq_read() copies a queued variable‑length event header to user space, it clears the length bits but leaves the event pointer field intact. This allows a user‑space sequencer client to read back a raw kernel address from the event header, exposing internals of the kernel memory layout. The weakness corresponds to a pointer manipulation flaw (CWE‑824).

Affected Systems

The issue affects Linux kernel systems that compile the ALSA sequencer driver and have not applied the patch that zeroes the event pointer before copying data to user space. Version details are not specified in the advisory.

Risk and Exploitability

A local user can craft a sequencer event and retrieve a kernel address by invoking snd_seq_read(). No privilege escalation or network access is required. While the flaw does not directly lead to code execution or denial of service, the disclosed address can aid in subsequent exploits such as return‑oriented programming. The CVSS score of 5.5 indicates moderate severity, the EPSS is less than 1 %, and the vulnerability is not listed in CISA KEV, suggesting a low likelihood of widespread exploitation. Overall, the risk is moderate in potential impact but low in probability for typical environments.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 22, 2026 at 02:38 UTC.

Remediation

No vendor fix or workaround currently provided.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply a kernel update that incorporates the ALSA sequencer patch which clears the event pointer before user copy.
  • If an update is not available, disable or uninstall user‑space applications that use ALSA sequencer functionality to reduce exposure.
  • Regularly monitor kernel release notes and security advisories for the CVE fix and apply it promptly when released.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 22, 2026 at 02:38 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories yet.

History

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 01:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-200

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-824
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

cvssV3_1

{'score': 5.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H'}

threat_severity

Moderate


Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-200

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: seq: Clear variable event pointer on read snd_seq_read() copies a queued variable-length event header to userspace before expanding the payload. Queued variable-length events use SNDRV_SEQ_EXT_CHAINED internally, and data.ext.ptr points at the first extension cell. The read side strips SNDRV_SEQ_EXT_* bits from data.ext.len before the copy, but it leaves data.ext.ptr untouched. A userspace sequencer client can therefore write a direct variable event to itself and read back the extension-cell kernel address from the returned header. Clear the temporary header pointer before copy_to_user(). The original queued event remains unchanged and is still passed to snd_seq_expand_var_event(), so payload expansion keeps using the internal chain.
Title ALSA: seq: Clear variable event pointer on read
First Time appeared Linux
Linux linux Kernel
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Linux
Linux linux Kernel
References

Subscriptions

Linux Linux Kernel
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: Linux

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-17T05:17:31.258Z

Reserved: 2026-08-15T05:44:03.885Z

Link: CVE-2026-74339

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-08-15T06:22:34.850

Modified: 2026-08-17T06:19:28.357

Link: CVE-2026-74339

cve-icon Redhat

Severity : Moderate

Publid Date: 2026-08-15T00:00:00Z

Links: CVE-2026-74339 - Bugzilla

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-22T02:45:03Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-824

    Access of Uninitialized Pointer